Does anyone know if you detox from benzos and take some if you start "all over again"?

60 days off benzos but took 10 ambien to help sleep. The pharmacist told me they were a hypnotic not a benzo which is not correct. I've had it with doctors not knowing what they are talking about. dazed and confused!!!

Responses (3)

Ambien is not a benzodiazepine. I don't believe this will make you have to start "all over again". Ambien is suppose to be a short term soluntion to the insomnia though many people take it for a long time.

Your pharmacist IS correct. Ambien (or zolpidem tartrate) is NOT a benzodiazepine. It is actually classed as an imidazopyridine. Although the drug interacts with one of the three identified gamma-aminobutyric acid- benzodiazepine receptor complexes, it isnt a benzodiazepine. It exhibits hypnotic activity and minimal muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant properties. So what that means is it is not a benzodiazepine but it acts on the same receptors in the brain that benzo's do. As far as if you are back to "square one" with your detox, it is hard to say. It may have taken you back a bit because it messed with those same receptors but it may not have pushed you back to square one especially if you only took one pill. Drs get their main information from drug reps and their own reading of PDR (physicians desk reference) and package inserts. This information comes from the manufacturer of the medication.

In this day and modern age, you have access to the same literature he has. You can pull up the FDA website and see the very same info that is included in PDR and package inserts. We as patients, need to become more proactive in our own health care and become more educated ourselves. I, personally, NEVER take a medication until I've looked it up to see what it is and what effects it may have on me. There are just way too many references available online for a person not to be educated on what they are putting in their bodies. Some of the information is very "chemistry" and over most folks heads that dont have a degree in chemistry but there are many references that are in more "laymans" terms. Even here on DDC there are consumer's reference information. I am a firm believer that YOU are the most important "team member" in the team approach to taking care of your health! The more you can read and understand about your conditions and the medications you use to treat them, the better. That way you are not relying on just what a Dr says. Becoming educated on your own disease process will help you immensely in asking the right questions of your healthcare providers and help you to draw your own conclusions. No one knows you better than you!!

No you will not start over again if your takeing them everyday then ya youbrain will want that same drug again it craves it cause u were addictted at 1 time if u do it in moderation like 2 times a week your good